Box Score


WINCHESTER, Va. — Averett senior Ashley Washington grabbed a career-best 22 rebounds, but wasn't enough for the Cougars as Shenandoah University pulled away for a 53-44 conference win on Saturday afternoon at Shingleton Gymnasium.

Averett (7-7, 3-5 USA South) stayed within striking distance of Shenandoah (7-7, 3-4 USA South) throughout the second half, yet, the Cougars couldn't turn the corner. The came as close as five points when Kaneshia Slade's layup with 10:04 remaining trimmed the Hornets' lead to 39-34.

Shenandoah took a 31-23 lead into the locker rooms at halftime thanks to an 8-0 run by the Hornets in the final three minutes of the half. Averett never led in the contest, but the Cougars rallied from as much as a nine-point first-half deficit to knot the score at 23-23 on a Deandra Brown free throw at the 4:30 mark of the first period.

The loss is Averett's fifth in a row, despite 15 points and 22 rebounds from Washington and 10 points off the bench from Abby Bailey. Washington's previous single-game high was 17 rebounds, which she has done three times, including earlier this season against Guilford.

Sierra Edwards led Shenandoah with 12 points off the bench.

Averett will travel to Newport News on Tuesday to face Christopher Newport University at 5:30 p.m.